Socio-economic issues

In Tunisia, the citrus sector spans across 28,000 hectares, with a significant 75% concentrated within the Cap Bon region. This essential industry serves as the primary source of income for over 12,000 farmers, by creating permanent employment opportunities for around 7,000 individuals and contributing to a staggering 3 million workdays annually. In 2021, citrus production achieved a notable milestone, reaching 440 thousand tonnes. This accounts for more than 4% of the total production value, and approximately 5% of overall agricultural exports. Within the Cap Bon region, irrigated areas notably amount to 27,000 hectares, with a substantial 21,000 hectares exclusively dedicated to the citrus sector. The intensive nature of irrigated agriculture, specifically citrus cultivation, has led to the consumption of roughly 80% of available water resources in the region. This includes resources derived from lakes, dams, forage areas, and wells. However, the region grapples with escalating pressure on its water resources, primarily attributed to the escalating water demands driven by the burgeoning industry and thriving tourism sectors. The spectre of climate change further exacerbates the issues, thus complicating the situation. The sustainability of the citrus sector, which is already grappling with reduced water quantities and declining water quality (attributed to factors such as groundwater depletion, water salinization, and the looming hazard of saltwater intrusion), faces a new layer of vulnerability due to these changing climatic patterns. The imperative need to address these issues resonates as a critical task, as it requires strategic efforts to balance economic growth with the conservation and sustainable management of water resources.